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    • Japan Unmasked
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      Japan Unmasked (IJT Essential)
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    Small Group Tour IJT Essential

    Japan Unmasked

    13 Nights: from US$4753 Trip Code: JU Activity Rating: AdventureMore infomation about activity rating

    Our Insiders describe Japan Unmasked as a bit like an introductory sampling platter of all Japanese culture – experiencing the best that Japan has to offer, including those places you may not have heard of. So you can explore those in-between places where so much of Japanese life happens. Read more >

    On this tour of Japan, you'll visit the big cities you'd expect at the core of any first-time itinerary: Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto but also, the more rural, and often, lesser-known spots. Like the canal-lined, beautifully preserved merchant town of Kurashiki, so often skipped over by first-time visitors. And Nagano, at the foot of the Japan Alps, where you'll spend the night at a Buddhist temple lodging.  

    Japan Unmasked lets you in to modern, everyday Japan - but the country's culture is inseparable from its history, and on this tour, you'll get to understand why. Learn about Japan's samurai history at the 16th century "Black Crow" in Matsumoto, one of the last 12 remaining Edo-period castles, and discover Kyoto's Gion geisha district with a local expert, avoiding the more overcrowded areas for a glimpse into life there, as it's really lived. And there's Japan's more recent, brutal history, too, at the Hiroshima Peace Museum and Park, dedicated to spreading a prevailing message of peace. 

    Much of what makes Japan special lies in its living, natural world.  You'll visit Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, one of Japan's top three landscape gardens and cycle through the Kibi Plain just outside of Kurashiki, through neighbouring villages and rice paddies, learning about the legend of the little boy, born in a peach, who fought ogres. 

    With such an incredible amount to see and do, the pace of the tour is fast. You'll stay in Nagano, Kanazawa and Kurashiki for just one night each and use Japan's excellent public transport - the famous Shinkansen bullet train - to speed you from capital Tokyo to the mountain Buddhist temple town of Nagano. Local trains and buses give you access to that smaller, slower pace of life outside of the bigger cities, too - all with the help of your Insider guide to navigate tickets and platforms.

    Travelling this way, you'll get to see life as it is for people in Japan. You'll share local trains with commuters and children on school trips, grab vending machine snacks on platforms, and people-watch, with a window view that will shift from inner city high rises and billboards to sky-scraping mountains and forest. 

    It's not just how you travel, it's where you stay. You'll check into some truly unique accommodation that unlocks down-to-earth, local experiences. Stay at a traditional Takayama ryokan guest house that's like joining a family home for a few nights - they prepare an amazing home cooked kaiseki dinner, the ingredients carefully considered in line with the seasons. And also, at one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, where you can join the hypnotic morning service at Zenko-ji temple. 

    This is one of our favourite trips to see the most famous sights Japan has to offer, but also reveals its quieter, more rural local rhythms, which are harder to arrange. With your expert Insider guide at your side, you'll unlock incredible experiences at every stop. And, there's no single supplement, great for solo travellers.

    Is this trip for you? 

    What's great:

    · The group energy! There's a positive sense of support and camaraderie, particularly if you're travelling to Japan for the first time. 

    · If you're travelling solo, there's no single traveller supplement. 

    · You'll stay in some really special, authentic accommodation, like a traditional family-run ryokan guest house and one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples.

    · Per night, this is one of our cheapest tours.

    · Your Insider guide is the key to unlocking the fast pace of this tour - they'll take you through stations, buy your tickets, and navigate to the right platform, meaning you can hop on and off public transport easily.

    · It's an active tour - great for people who love to keep moving and exploring. 

    · If you have dietary requirements, this is one of the easiest trips to cater for these. Speak to us when you book. 

    · It's a great trip for children - with so much to see and do, they're unlikely to get bored! 

    Things to consider: 

    · This is an active tour and therefore may not be suitable if you have mobility issues. Our Classic Japan Small Group Tour has a slower pace that may work better for you. 

    · All accommodation is 3* - apart from the traditional ryokan stay and Nagano temple lodging. These include a futon bed (on floor level) and shared toilet and bathroom facilities (kept impeccably clean!). If more up-market hotels are a focus for you, you may want to try one of our Classic, All-inclusive or Superior level tours. 

    · In some traditional accommodation, you'll share bathroom facilities. These will be gender segregated. 

    · Solo travellers will need to share a room at Japanese accommodation (three nights in total). 

    · If you're on a tight budget, Tokaido Trail and Must-see Japan are shorter trips, which brings the total cost down. 

    · You'll need to be able to carry your own luggage. 

    Important Tour Information

    Travelling with family? Under 18s get 10% off the tour price.

    The accommodation listed is for 2025 departures. Please note that accommodation is subject to change. Final details of the accommodation will be included in your Info-Pack, which will be sent out approximately four weeks before departure. If you would like to know more, please speak to your travel consultant.

    Group Size: 4 - 14

    Single Supplement: There is no single supplement for this tour. Single travellers will have a single room free of charge at all of the western style hotels (at least 10 nights). They will be asked to share with another single traveller of the same sex at the Japanese style stays (maximum 3 nights). 

    Fitness: Even when not using public transport, sightseeing in Japan often involves walking between sights, climbing up steps in temples and being 'on the go' for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the majority of the group.

    Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 2pm. Hotels in Japan operate strict check-in policies. If you have an early arrival you can either book an extra night for any-time check-in, or the hotel will be happy to securely store your luggage for you whilst you go for a drink or explore the local area.

    Transport: Please note that most transfers are by public transport, such as trains, boats, taxis and trams, making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. All the accommodation has been chosen for their location close to the nearest station.

    Luggage: We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour as you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators or elevators/lifts. You will need a small overnight bag (e.g. backpack) for use when we forward your main bags to the next location.

    Accommodation: All western style hotels have private en suite. The Japanese style accommodation in Takayama, as well as the temple lodging in Nagano, have shared bathroom and toilet facilities. 

    Please note that in Japan, twin rooms are very much the norm, and there are far fewer double rooms available. Please understand that on this tour we are not able to offer double rooms at any of the locations.

    International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita or Tokyo Haneda Airport. Please note that the included meet-and-greet and arrival transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available from these two airports.

    At a glance

    What's Included >

    What's included

    • Airport transfers: arrival by shared shuttle bus, departure by airport limousine bus.
    • Full-time services of your InsideJapan tour leader
    • 13 nights' accommodation
    • Breakfast every day and two evening meals
    • All transport between destinations in Japan
    • IC transport card with 5,000 yen credit for city transport
    • Highway Bus from Matsumoto to Takayama
    • Transfer from Takayama to Kanazawa by private coach
    • Entrance to Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano
    • Entrance to Obuse Hokusai Museum
    • Geisha district walking tour
    • Luggage Forwarding from Tokyo to Takayama and from Hiroshima to Tokyo
    • Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
    • Your InsideJapan Info-Pack

    What's NOT included:

    • International flights
    • Entrance fees (including those for temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
    • Any local transportation unless covered by the included pass
    • Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified

    View full price information >

    Tour Price Information

    2025

    • Tour Price: From US$4753
    • No single supplement! Guaranteed single room in Western style hotels.

    Extra Nights

    • Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$126 pp Single From US$140 pp
    • Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$196 pp Single From US$266 pp

    2026

    • Tour Price: From US$4753
    • No single supplement! Guaranteed single room in Western style hotels.

    Extra Nights

    • Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$126 pp Single From US$189 pp
    • Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$182 pp Single From US$245 pp
    Please note: Prices displayed above are all "From" prices as individual prices vary depending on the tour departure date.

    Tour Highlights

    • Explore the beating, neon heart of Japan: Tokyo
    • Admire the stunning collection of original woodblock prints at the Hokusai Museum in the quaint town of Obuse
    • Cycle through rice fields and past temple pagodas across the Kibi Plain – home of the Momotaro folk tale – a little boy who was born in a peach and fought ogres
    • Explore the earthen-walled samurai district of Kanazawa – one of the best preserved in Japan
    • Visit Kurashiki – a historic canal lined town that dates back to the Edo Period, when it served as a rice distribution centre (its name, Kurahshiki, can be translated to “town of storehouses”)
    • Search for the key to paradise in the pitch-dark tunnels underneath Zenko-ji - one of Japan's most important temples
    • Visit the 16th century "Black Crow", Matsumoto's original samurai castle
    • Take a walking tour through the Gion geisha district in Kyoto, with a local expert to show what life is really like
    • Wander through one of Japan's most impressive gardens – Kenrokuen (ranked one of Japan's top three)
    • See the “floating” torii gates at Miyajima island, and visit the friendly deer that roam there

    For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

    What, where, when and how...

    • Map & Destinations
    • Day by Day
    • Accommodation
    • Experiences
    • Dates & Booking
    • Reviews

    Japan Unmasked - 14 Days

    Map for Japan Unmasked

    Destinations

    • Tokyo
      Tokyo

      Read more >

    • Nagano
      Nagano

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    • Matsumoto
      Matsumoto

      Read more >

    • Takayama
      Takayama

      Read more >

    • Kanazawa
      Kanazawa

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    • Kyoto
      Kyoto

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    • Hiroshima
      Hiroshima

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    • Kurashiki
      Kurashiki

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    Japan Unmasked - 14 Days - Day by Day

    • Day 1-2 Tokyo
      Day 1-2 Tokyo
    • Day 3 Nagano
      Day 3 Nagano
    • Day 4 Matsumoto
      Day 4 Matsumoto
    • Day 5-6 Takayama
      Day 5-6 Takayama
    • Day 7 Kanazawa
      Day 7 Kanazawa
    • Day 8-9 Kyoto
      Day 8-9 Kyoto
    • Day 10-11 Hiroshima
      Day 10-11 Hiroshima
    • Day 12 Kurashiki
      Day 12 Kurashiki
    • Day 13-14 Tokyo
      Day 13-14 Tokyo
    View all days Close all days

    Japan Unmasked - 14 Days - Accommodation

    • Richmond Asakusa
      Tokyo
      Richmond Asakusa

      Moderate

    • Zenkoji Yakuo-in
      Nagano
      Zenkoji Yakuo-in

      Budget

    • Kagetsu
      Matsumoto
      Kagetsu

      Moderate

    • Iwatakan
      Takayama
      Iwatakan

      Moderate

    • Square Hotel Kanazawa
      Kanazawa
      Square Hotel Kanazawa

      Moderate

    • Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
      Kyoto
      Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

      Moderate

    • Washington Hotel
      Hiroshima
      Washington Hotel

      Moderate

    • Dormy Inn Kurashiki
      Kurashiki
      Dormy Inn Kurashiki

      Budget

    • Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
      Tokyo
      Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

      Moderate

    Japan Unmasked - 14 Days - Experiences

    • The "black crow" castle
      The "black crow" castle

      Read more >

    • Kenrokuen
      Kenrokuen

      Read more >

    • Peace Park & museum tour
      Peace Park & museum tour

      Read more >

    • Gion walking tour at dusk
      Gion walking tour at dusk

      Read more >

    • Neon lights of Shinjuku
      Neon lights of Shinjuku

      Read more >

    • Ryokan dinner
      Ryokan dinner

      Read more >

    Japan Unmasked - 14 Days - Booking

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      US$5222

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      US$4753

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      US$5586

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      GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

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    No single supplement! Guaranteed single room in Western style hotels.

    • Day 1-2

      1-2

      Discover the many faces of Tokyo, one of the world's greatest cities.

      Welcome to this tour of Japan! On arrival you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel by shared shuttle bus to your hotel in the traditional Asakusa district of the city. This evening you will join your tour leader at a welcome meeting, then if you feel like it you can head out with your group to one of the excellent nearby restaurants for an introduction to Japan's outstanding cuisine and dining etiquette.

      On day two you will take an extensive walking tour of the city with your tour leader, making use of Tokyo's fantastic public transport system. From the wooded precincts of Meiji Shrine to the candy-coloured shops of Harajuku, from the bustling traditional quarter of Asakusa to the hubbub of Shinjuku's skyscraper district; today you'll discover what makes Tokyo one of the world's greatest cities.

      If you would prefer to break away from the group today, your tour leader will be happy to assist you with your plans.

      Overnight: Richmond Asakusa

    • Day 3

      3

      Stay overnight at a Buddhist temple lodging at Zenko-ji, Japan's most important Zen temple.

      Today you'll leave the big city behind and make your way to the city of Nagano in the mountains. Nagano is famous as the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics and as the location of Zenko-ji – one of Japan's most important temples.

      This afternoon will be yours to explore the city. We recommend joining your tour leader for a meal of freshly made soba noodles (a local speciality) before relaxing at the local hot spring baths.

      Tonight you will be spending the night at one of Zenko-ji's affiliated shukubo lodgings. Accommodation will be in simple, Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, sliding screen doors and comfortable futon mattresses.

      Overnight: Zenkoji Yakuo-in

    • Day 4

      4

      Attend Buddhist morning prayers in Nagano, marvel at Hokusai's ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and scale Matsumoto's "Black Crow" castle.

      On day four you will be rising early to attend morning prayers at Zenko-ji – a unique and spiritual experience. After the ceremony you will return to your lodgings for an elaborate breakfast of shojin ryori, or traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, before visiting the quaint town of Obuse and the Hokusai Museum with its superb collection of original ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

      Overnight: Kagetsu

    • Day 5-6

      5-6

      Explore the craft shops, sake breweries, morning markets and museums of Takayama, a lovely alpine town.

      You will continue your journey through the Japanese Alps on day five as you make your way to Takayama, a town famed for the high quality of its traditional crafts.

      There are many options to keep you busy in the town today, from the festival float museum to the wood-panelled streets of the old town; from the world headquarters of the Sukyo Mahikari cult (an interesting experience indeed!) to the area's many craft shops.

      Tonight you'll be staying at a simple minshuku (family-run inn) with Japanese-style rooms, onsen hot spring baths and a lovely multi-course kaiseki dinner included.

      With another day to explore Takayama we recommend making the excellent morning market your first port of call. Later you can join your tour leader on a visit to the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum filled with traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, before heading back to the old town for a spot of sake tasting at the local breweries to round off the day.

      Dinner is not included this evening so we highly recommend going out for a taste of the local delicacy, Hida beef, which is every bit as delicious as its Kobe cousin!

      Overnight: Iwatakan

    • Day 7

      7

      Enjoy the beautifully preserved traditional districts of Kanazawa, home to one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.

      Located on the Japan Sea coast, Kanazawa is one of Japan's best-preserved traditional cities. Like Kyoto, its historical monuments were considered sufficiently important by Allied forces to escape air raids, meaning that today you can still find something of the atmosphere of pre-war Japan in its old town districts.

      This afternoon we recommend strolling the Nagamachi samurai quarter, the Chaya geisha district, and getting some super-fresh sushi from the Omicho fish market. No visit to Kanazawa would be complete without a visit to the city's star attraction: Kenrokuen. Ranked as one of Japan's top three landscape gardens, Kenrokuen is truly stunning and well worth your time today.

      Overnight: Square Hotel Kanazawa

    • Day 8-9

      8-9

      An ancient imperial capital, Kyoto is Japan's most important repository of culture and history.

      A highlight of any journey to Japan, Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a millennium and is home to an incredible 17 World Heritage Sites, including temples, shrines and some beautiful gardens. Your tour leader will be sure to take you to one of these today before you enjoy a guided tour of the traditional Gion geisha district, where you might be fortunate enough to spot a geisha as dusk falls.

      On your second day in Kyoto you'll be taken around Kyoto by your tour leader who will put together a specific itinerary to show you some of the city's hidden gems based on the group's interest, the season and the weather. Alternatively you can opt to head out alone and discover them for yourself. Your tour leader will be happy to help you make plans if there is something specific you'd like to see.

      From the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji to the ten thousand red gates of Fushimi Inari; from Nishiki food market to Gion's traditional teahouses – Kyoto has so much to offer that you'll be spoilt for choice.

      Overnight: Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

    • Day 10-11

      10-11

      Visit Hiroshima's Peace Park and Museum and spend the day on the beautiful island of Miyajima.

      With two days in Hiroshima you will have ample time to explore this exciting city and its beautiful neighbour – the island of Miyajima.

      Though it will forever be remembered for the tragic events of 1945 – and you should certainly reserve some time to visit the haunting Peace Park and museum whilst in the city – modern Hiroshima has much more to offer than memorials to the atomic bomb. With world-class art galleries, an excellent manga library, a beautifully restored castle and the nearby Mazda Museum, you will be spoilt for choice as to how to spend the rest of the afternoon.

      On day two of your stay in Hiroshima you might like to make the ten-minute ferry ride across the bay to Miyajima, a beautiful island on the Seto Inland Sea. Miyajima is home to a tiny, traditional community, a friendly resident population of deer, and Itsukushima Shrine – whose “floating” torii gate is one of the most iconic images of Japan.

      Before leaving Hiroshima you must be sure to try the local speciality: okonomiyaki. A type of cabbage- or noodle-based pancake cooked on a grill in the centre of your table, okonomiyaki is a delicious and very cheap option that never fails to go down well.

      Overnight: Washington Hotel

    • Day 12

      12

      Admire the preserved canal district of Kurashiki and cycle through rice paddies and villages across the Kibi plains.

      Kurashiki is rarely included on first-time itineraries to Japan, which we think is a real shame as it's a truly lovely town with a fascinating history.

      The preserved canal district forms the centre of the town, with streets lined with traditional shops, cafés and superb museums housed in white-walled, black-tiled storehouses from the Edo era. The Ohara Museum is the most impressive of all the local museums and houses the first permanent collection of Western art ever to be exhibited in Japan.

      Today you will also have the option of taking a cycling trip across the Kibi plains, one of the most beautiful and historical paved bike rides in Japan, taking you past rice fields, burial mounds, local temples and Buddhist cemeteries.

      Overnight: Dormy Inn Kurashiki

    • Day 13-14

      13-14

      Return to Tokyo for some sightseeing, last-minute shopping and a fabulous final night in the capital.

      Today you will speed back to Tokyo on the shinkansen bullet train, perhaps catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji on your way past – if you're lucky! This is your chance to do a bit of last-minute souvenir shopping, and to visit any of the sights you may have missed the first time around. Today would be a great time to see Tokyo from the top of the Skytree, the tallest tower in the world at 634 m (2,080 ft), or to rent out a karaoke booth in Shinjuku and sing your heart out with your new friends.

      Though dinner is not included tonight, we highly recommend joining your group for a farewell meal at one of your tour leader's favourite restaurants in the city as a great way to toast the end of a fantastic trip.

      On the morning of day 14 it's time to say goodbye to Japan and hop on the airport limousine bus for your departure flight. We hope you have a good journey home.

      Overnight: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

    View all days
    • Day 1-2

      1-2

      Discover the many faces of Tokyo, one of the world's greatest cities.

      Welcome to this tour of Japan! On arrival you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel by shared shuttle bus to your hotel in the traditional Asakusa district of the city. This evening you will join your tour leader at a welcome meeting, then if you feel like it you can head out with your group to one of the excellent nearby restaurants for an introduction to Japan's outstanding cuisine and dining etiquette.

      On day two you will take an extensive walking tour of the city with your tour leader, making use of Tokyo's fantastic public transport system. From the wooded precincts of Meiji Shrine to the candy-coloured shops of Harajuku, from the bustling traditional quarter of Asakusa to the hubbub of Shinjuku's skyscraper district; today you'll discover what makes Tokyo one of the world's greatest cities.

      If you would prefer to break away from the group today, your tour leader will be happy to assist you with your plans.

      Overnight: Richmond Asakusa

    • Day 3

      3

      Stay overnight at a Buddhist temple lodging at Zenko-ji, Japan's most important Zen temple.

      Today you'll leave the big city behind and make your way to the city of Nagano in the mountains. Nagano is famous as the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics and as the location of Zenko-ji – one of Japan's most important temples.

      This afternoon will be yours to explore the city. We recommend joining your tour leader for a meal of freshly made soba noodles (a local speciality) before relaxing at the local hot spring baths.

      Tonight you will be spending the night at one of Zenko-ji's affiliated shukubo lodgings. Accommodation will be in simple, Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, sliding screen doors and comfortable futon mattresses.

      Overnight: Zenkoji Yakuo-in

    • Day 4

      4

      Attend Buddhist morning prayers in Nagano, marvel at Hokusai's ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and scale Matsumoto's "Black Crow" castle.

      On day four you will be rising early to attend morning prayers at Zenko-ji – a unique and spiritual experience. After the ceremony you will return to your lodgings for an elaborate breakfast of shojin ryori, or traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, before visiting the quaint town of Obuse and the Hokusai Museum with its superb collection of original ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

      Overnight: Kagetsu

    • Day 5-6

      5-6

      Explore the craft shops, sake breweries, morning markets and museums of Takayama, a lovely alpine town.

      You will continue your journey through the Japanese Alps on day five as you make your way to Takayama, a town famed for the high quality of its traditional crafts.

      There are many options to keep you busy in the town today, from the festival float museum to the wood-panelled streets of the old town; from the world headquarters of the Sukyo Mahikari cult (an interesting experience indeed!) to the area's many craft shops.

      Tonight you'll be staying at a simple minshuku (family-run inn) with Japanese-style rooms, onsen hot spring baths and a lovely multi-course kaiseki dinner included.

      With another day to explore Takayama we recommend making the excellent morning market your first port of call. Later you can join your tour leader on a visit to the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum filled with traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, before heading back to the old town for a spot of sake tasting at the local breweries to round off the day.

      Dinner is not included this evening so we highly recommend going out for a taste of the local delicacy, Hida beef, which is every bit as delicious as its Kobe cousin!

      Overnight: Iwatakan

    • Day 7

      7

      Enjoy the beautifully preserved traditional districts of Kanazawa, home to one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.

      Located on the Japan Sea coast, Kanazawa is one of Japan's best-preserved traditional cities. Like Kyoto, its historical monuments were considered sufficiently important by Allied forces to escape air raids, meaning that today you can still find something of the atmosphere of pre-war Japan in its old town districts.

      This afternoon we recommend strolling the Nagamachi samurai quarter, the Chaya geisha district, and getting some super-fresh sushi from the Omicho fish market. No visit to Kanazawa would be complete without a visit to the city's star attraction: Kenrokuen. Ranked as one of Japan's top three landscape gardens, Kenrokuen is truly stunning and well worth your time today.

      Overnight: Square Hotel Kanazawa

    • Day 8-9

      8-9

      An ancient imperial capital, Kyoto is Japan's most important repository of culture and history.

      A highlight of any journey to Japan, Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a millennium and is home to an incredible 17 World Heritage Sites, including temples, shrines and some beautiful gardens. Your tour leader will be sure to take you to one of these today before you enjoy a guided tour of the traditional Gion geisha district, where you might be fortunate enough to spot a geisha as dusk falls.

      On your second day in Kyoto you'll be taken around Kyoto by your tour leader who will put together a specific itinerary to show you some of the city's hidden gems based on the group's interest, the season and the weather. Alternatively you can opt to head out alone and discover them for yourself. Your tour leader will be happy to help you make plans if there is something specific you'd like to see.

      From the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji to the ten thousand red gates of Fushimi Inari; from Nishiki food market to Gion's traditional teahouses – Kyoto has so much to offer that you'll be spoilt for choice.

      Overnight: Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

    • Day 10-11

      10-11

      Visit Hiroshima's Peace Park and Museum and spend the day on the beautiful island of Miyajima.

      With two days in Hiroshima you will have ample time to explore this exciting city and its beautiful neighbour – the island of Miyajima.

      Though it will forever be remembered for the tragic events of 1945 – and you should certainly reserve some time to visit the haunting Peace Park and museum whilst in the city – modern Hiroshima has much more to offer than memorials to the atomic bomb. With world-class art galleries, an excellent manga library, a beautifully restored castle and the nearby Mazda Museum, you will be spoilt for choice as to how to spend the rest of the afternoon.

      On day two of your stay in Hiroshima you might like to make the ten-minute ferry ride across the bay to Miyajima, a beautiful island on the Seto Inland Sea. Miyajima is home to a tiny, traditional community, a friendly resident population of deer, and Itsukushima Shrine – whose “floating” torii gate is one of the most iconic images of Japan.

      Before leaving Hiroshima you must be sure to try the local speciality: okonomiyaki. A type of cabbage- or noodle-based pancake cooked on a grill in the centre of your table, okonomiyaki is a delicious and very cheap option that never fails to go down well.

      Overnight: Washington Hotel

    • Day 12

      12

      Admire the preserved canal district of Kurashiki and cycle through rice paddies and villages across the Kibi plains.

      Kurashiki is rarely included on first-time itineraries to Japan, which we think is a real shame as it's a truly lovely town with a fascinating history.

      The preserved canal district forms the centre of the town, with streets lined with traditional shops, cafés and superb museums housed in white-walled, black-tiled storehouses from the Edo era. The Ohara Museum is the most impressive of all the local museums and houses the first permanent collection of Western art ever to be exhibited in Japan.

      Today you will also have the option of taking a cycling trip across the Kibi plains, one of the most beautiful and historical paved bike rides in Japan, taking you past rice fields, burial mounds, local temples and Buddhist cemeteries.

      Overnight: Dormy Inn Kurashiki

    • Day 13-14

      13-14

      Return to Tokyo for some sightseeing, last-minute shopping and a fabulous final night in the capital.

      Today you will speed back to Tokyo on the shinkansen bullet train, perhaps catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji on your way past – if you're lucky! This is your chance to do a bit of last-minute souvenir shopping, and to visit any of the sights you may have missed the first time around. Today would be a great time to see Tokyo from the top of the Skytree, the tallest tower in the world at 634 m (2,080 ft), or to rent out a karaoke booth in Shinjuku and sing your heart out with your new friends.

      Though dinner is not included tonight, we highly recommend joining your group for a farewell meal at one of your tour leader's favourite restaurants in the city as a great way to toast the end of a fantastic trip.

      On the morning of day 14 it's time to say goodbye to Japan and hop on the airport limousine bus for your departure flight. We hope you have a good journey home.

      Overnight: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

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    Tour Reviews

    • Small Group Tour Japan Unmasked

      Excellent

      They sent a great fact sheet before the tour.. so we knew what to expect

      Read more >
    • Small Group Tour Japan Unmasked

      Excellent

      I was really happy to have chosen Inside Japan. They provided a lot of information prior to the actual trip so that you could read up on the area / town - this including…

      Read more >

    (12 month average based on 112 reviews)

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